DK Travel : Athens

Athens is simultaneously known as the Classical, marble-pillared cradle of Western civilization and as a modern urban sprawl of concrete and traffic. Between the extremes lies a kaleidoscopic city, where the influences of East and West entwine in the markets, cafés and tavernas, built upon ancient ruins and rubbing shoulders with gold-leafed Byzantine churches.

Ithaki

Elaborate cuisine and glitzy clientele in a wood-and-glass building built into a cliff overlooking the sea. Mainly fish but also a decent choice of meat dishes.
Jackson Hall

This all-American diner serves beer and burgers with fries among film-star memorabilia. But, this being Kolonaki, Fashion TV plays on large screens and the waitresses are skimpy model-types.
Jason Inn

Excellent value. The Rooms and services are much nicer and more modern than you might expect from the budget bracket, and guests have high praise for the helpful, friendly service. Though not in a tourist neighbourhood, it’s still an easy walk to several sights and good restaurants.
Jewish Museum

The collection’s 15,000 items tell the story of Jews in Greece.
Jimmy & the Fish

Waiters carry platters of smoked tuna and rocket, and pans of lobster to diners on the restaurant’s harbourside terrace.
John’s Place

Another perfectly central location for this small, friendly, family-run guesthouse. Despite its low prices, the old-fashioned rooms still have basic amenities and comforts, including the welcome respite of air conditioning.
Kafeneion to Naufayio ton Aggelon

Original floor tiles still pave these two tiny rooms, the Angel’s Shipwreck. Duck downstairs for octopus and garlicky beetroot with your ouzo.
Kallidromiou and Strefi Hill

Kallidromiou is the heart of Exarcheia, especially on Saturdays, when the whole neighbourhood turns out for the open-air laiki (farmer’s market). Soak up the sights of the street and buy some fresh fruit before heading to nearby Strefi Hill (see Strefi Hill) for a healthy climb and bite to eat.
Kallimarmaro Stadium

Fourth-century BC Panathenaic athletes and the runners of the first modern Olympics in 1896 ran laps in the sweltering centre of this beautiful marble stadium. Modern joggers and walkers love the shady path on top of the 70,000-seat edifice. (see Kallimarmaro Stadium)
Kallimarmaro Stadium

The formal name of this stadium is the Panathenaic, but it’s more commonly known as Kallimarmaro, meaning “beautiful marble”. Built in 330 BC for the Panathenaic games, it later fell into disuse. In 1895, George Averoff had it restored with fine Pentelic marble, and it hosted the first modern Olympics in 1896. In 2004, it provided the final circuit for the Olympic Marathon and also hosted the archery competition. (see Kallimarmaro Stadium)

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